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To celebrate the launch of a captivating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, a unique collaboration is underway. Pokémon's creators and London's Natural History Museum will launch a pop-up shop stocked with special merchandise. Fans will find products like plush toys, art prints, and writing supplies all drawing from the institution's theme. The big draw, however, is a specially made Pikachu card, given as a gift with purchase at the pop-up. This shop will operate from the physical location to its web counterpart between late January and mid-April.

Pokécology That Inspires the Collaboration

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology represents a much-awaited tome filled with beautiful illustrations that show Pokémon in their wild environments. It's essentially is the kind of research a Pokémon Professor might publish after trainers provide field notes, or what Charles Darwin could have sketched had the Galapagos were populated by flying-types instead of finches. A key appeal stems from the book's serious treatment, presenting Pokémon as a legitimate subject for inquiry. Writer Yoshinari Yonehara together with artist Chihiro Kinoshita each possess doctorate degrees in animal behavior and ecology.

What Makes This Special Card Stand Out

The company regularly for The Pokémon Company to release cards celebrating major tournaments or brand collaborations. Many of these promotional cards often feature the famous electric rodent that acts as the series face. What distinguishes this latest museum card however, is the unusually large size. Although precise specs were not publicly disclosed, availability is guaranteed to be highly restricted, and customers able to get just one card per purchase.

Limiting Reseller Activity

Per a company announcement, some of the merchandise may also be available outside the museum walls. But, broader availability is slated for specific stores within the United Kingdom. Critically, collectors will not be able to purchase this promo through the online Pokémon Center. Although reseller interest is a given, the setup suggests they're going to have trouble hoarding mass quantities this time around. If you're unable to attend, consider the upcoming fossil-themed display coming to Chicago in the coming months.

"Every penny from purchases made in the museum store and its online store, including Pokémon products, support the Natural History Museum’s non-profit work. This includes the efforts of 400 scientists who are scientific inquiry and finding solutions to the global ecological crisis," the statement says.